TSAWTB Section 6 - Interlude - A Miscellany of Items

284 Section 6 - Interlude
We would suggest that those interested in defending the Christian faith by
the simple logical arguments set out above might like to develop this form of
apologetics. Its skilled use can be a powerful weapon in the right
circumstances.
Having said this, its use should always be with the aim of “speaking the
truth in love”. One can win arguments - but lose an opportunity of presenting
the Good News of God’s willingness to forgive the listener’s rebellion.
SECTION 6.9
THE CHRISTIAN BASIS OF SCIENCE
This may seem an exaggerated claim, but we will show that such a
statement is well supported.
It is generally accepted that scientific research assumes that the laws
operating this universe do not change. In addition, it is obvious that how
matter came into existence (even that in the Big Bang) is outside the sphere of
scientific experiments as they can only deal with the present operation of the
physical world.
What science cannot do is explain how the laws that govern matter (atomic
forces, gravity etc.) came into existence. It is perfectly legitimate to ask why
scientists should assume that these laws are constant everywhere in the
universe. It displays a vitally important fundamental assumption - that these
laws are not subject to capricious change by some other agent(s).
The Christian view and the failure of other religions
Eric Snow summarised the work of three authors on this subject (Snow and
www4) and listed seven barriers to the production of the scientific approach
to nature. Adapting these, we list the positive fundamentals of the Christian
faith that eventually gave rise to the scientific investigation of the universe.
(1) The laws that govern the working of the universe were established by
God and are unchangeable - apart from miracles, over which He still has sole
control. That God is all-powerful and unchangeable is one of the most
important basics of Christian doctrine, and this naturally gave rise to the
unchangableness of the laws of nature that He created.
In contrast, other religions allowed their gods to change the workings of
nature according to their whim. As their will was unsearchable, then any
investigation of nature was pointless as the results could vary from day to day.
This sense of apathy and fatalism in the face of their god(s) is the fundamental
reason why other faiths failed to develop the rational, scientific approach to
exploring the universe
(2) The Christian has a strong sense of the progress of time. He knows that
the universe had a definite beginning at a specific time in history, and that it is
progressing to one final end. This concept gives rise to the sequence of cause
and effect that is the basis of the scientific investigation. To highlight this, the
concept of Christ having to be offered as a sacrifice for each cycle of
reincarnation is both contrary to the Bible and abhorrent to all believers.
Many other religions are caught in the morass of reincarnation. Time is
ultimately endless and life is only a repetitive cycle. Such a concept breeds a
sense of hopelessness and apathy. This is also the end result when the future is
thought to be completely under the control of a changeable “god”. There is
then no point in struggling against one’s fate, which is out of one’s control.